Gail Bower's Obituary
Gail Bower, age 92, of Charleston, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice in Mattoon, Illinois. December 21st was Gail and Bud’s seventy third wedding anniversary.
Memorial Services honoring Gail’s life will begin at noon on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, 311 N. 7th Street, Charleston, Illinois, with Rev. Mary Wright officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held December 29, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Adams Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Gail was born May 29, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Lois (Delaney) and Joseph Kuehnle. She married J Leeds (Bud) Bower on December 21,1952 in Chicago, Illinois.
Survivors include her dear sister Karen Rosinia of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; children: Bruce (Shawn) Bower of Urbana, Illinois, Brian (Mary) Bower of Charleston, Illinois, Doug (Mary) Bower of Charleston and Karen (Ryan) Smith of Brevard, North Carolina; grandchildren: Matthew(Alisha) Bower of Charleston Illinois, Scott (Cecelia) Bower of Charleston, Libby Bower of Cape Coral, Florida, Brian (Emily Thoman) Bower of O’Fallon, Illinois, Michael (Katy) Bower of Jackson, Missouri, Evan Bower of Charleston, Andrew (Joanne Li) of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Sarah (Morgan Squiers) Bower of Chicago, Illinois and Tristan (Amelia) Smith of Kyle, Texas; great- grandchildren: Ally Bower, Gregory Bower, Jacasta Bower, Dylan Bower and Holland Bower; and her companion dog Max. Gail was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her son Paul.
Gail was a woman of service. She was a retired special education teacher in the Charleston School District. She worked with students with learning disabilities, helping those students reach their potential. She was a founding member of the local Habitat for Humanity where she, along with her family, founded and ran the “4 on the Fourth” road race for over 25 years. She was a board member and volunteer with the Charleston Civic Association and Soup Stop. For over 65 years Gail was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston. In 2018 Gail was honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service.
Gail was an avid runner and triathlete. She competed in multiple marathons with her running partner and friend, Carolyn Kolling. She was an honorable mention All American Triathlete.
For over 20 years Gail travelled the country on adventures with her beloved “Hiker Babes.” They travelled many parts of the country, delighting in each other’s company.
Gail’s family was her warm spot. She took great pride in watching her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and develop. She enjoyed their successes and accomplishments.
Gail will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Willow Breeze Hospice, 700 W. Lincoln Ave., Suite 100, Charleston, IL 61920.
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